Scientific Associate IV

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of groundbreaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Krembil Research Institute
Reports to: Program Manager
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: 1144
Hours: 37.5
Salary: To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Temporary Full Time (1 year)
Closing Date: November 30, 2024

We are seeking a highly skilled scientific associate with a PhD in electrical/electrophysiological engineering, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field to join our innovative research team. The ideal candidate is an engineer with extensive experience in research and development, particularly in building rigs and apparatuses for use in the operating room (OR). The candidate will collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) on implementing and analyzing intraoperative human laminar recordings during awake craniotomy procedures.

The primary focus of this role is to help deploy cognitive tasks in the operating room alongside the study team, including establishing and optimizing intraoperative workflows. The successful candidate will work with engineers from laminar probe designers. In the OR, they will assist the study coordinator in administering cognitive tasks to patients. Following data collection, the candidate will utilize advanced signal processing techniques to analyze local field potential (LFP) and single-unit data. Substantial expertise in invasive recordings in the neocortex and hippocampus is essential.

Duties

• Collaborate with the PI and study team on implementing and analyzing intraoperative laminar recordings.
• Establish and optimize intraoperative workflow for laminar electrode placement and data acquisition in the operating room.
• Prepare, receive, sort, and process clinical research data, particularly LFP data.
• Assist the study team in preparing the operating room environment for research activities, ensuring all protocols are followed.
• Assist in preparing protocols, submissions, and amendments to Health Canada and the Research Ethics Board.
• Help the study coordinator administer cognitive tasks to patients during surgery.
• Collect study data from participants or other sources to support clinical and study-related decision-making, using predefined data collection tools as per the approved study protocol and authorized access.
• Use advanced signal processing techniques to analyze LFP and single unit data.
• Coordinate necessary data flow internally and externally with collaborators from other sites.
• Help plan, design, and organize study databases (e.g., Excel, REDCap, Medidata).

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical/electrophysiological engineering, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in research and development, particularly in building rigs/apparatuses/equipment for use in the operating room or clinical setting.
• Substantial expertise in invasive recordings of the human brain.
• Experience with intraoperative electrophysiological recordings and familiarity with intracranial electrode technology.
• Proficiency in advanced signal processing techniques for analyzing LFP and single-unit neural data.
• Experience with data management tools and databases (e.g., Excel, REDCap, Medidata).
• Experience in preparing submissions and amendments to regulatory bodies such as Health Canada and hospital Research Ethics Boards.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from different disciplines.

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.